@Meddler, or anyone to which this is relevant: Give rewards based on highest rank obtained?

Have you ever considered giving Ranked rewards based on the highest Rank obtained rather than your current Rank at the end of the season?

I understand why you use the decay system instead of this; if a player gets Diamond in the first month of the season, they could just stop playing and reap the rewards at the end of the season. If they aren't playing, there is little to no chance they spend money (and that is obviously not a good business model).

However, what if this only applied to ranks that don't decay (Bronze-Gold)? If someone barely manages to get into Gold but gets demoted and can't get back, they are screwed even though they proved themselves worthy of the reward already; if you're close, all it does is pressure you into not playing so you don't get demoted and lose your chance. If they just stop playing, they are guaranteed their reward.

I believe that Bronze and Silver players shouldn't have to feel that kind of unwarranted pressure to the point that they are afraid to play any games and lose their reward.

P.S. This has no bearing on my rank or reward. Just a thought I had when looking at Hearthstones system where you get rewards for the highest rank you achieved (though, their seasons are apparently really short, so quitting between seasons doesn't last long).

P.S.S. An afterthought; what if the reward for highest rank achieved was different than the one given for current rank? Say, Border could be for your Rank held at season end, and Icon and Skin for your highest obtained, or an entirely new reward .